Assoc. Prof. Dr. Milena Angelova, Secretary General of the Bulgarian Industrial Capital Association (BICA) and Rapporteur of the European Economic and Social Committee on the European Strategy for Life Sciences, took part in the European Health Tourism Industry Summit, held at the European Parliament.
The forum brought together representatives of European institutions, business and the expert community, focusing on the development of health tourism – medical, SPA and wellness – as an important factor for increasing Europe’s competitiveness and establishing it as a global leader in the field of life sciences.
During the discussions, Assoc. Prof. Angelova emphasized the need for the European Union to unlock the potential of health tourism through better integration of European health destinations in policies in the field of healthcare, prevention and active longevity. Together with Dr. Siika Katsarova (Chairwoman of the Bulgarian Union of Balneology and SPA Tourism and President of the European SPA Association), a call was made for more targeted actions at the European level in support of the sector.
Particular attention was paid to the potential of Bulgaria as an established destination for balneology and climate treatment. Our country has rich resources of mineral springs, a favorable climate and long-standing traditions in the field of health tourism, which create prerequisites for sustainable development of the sector and for attracting international investments.
In this regard, it was emphasized that for the full development of health tourism in Bulgaria and Europe, targeted investments in infrastructure, support for local authorities, as well as the development of prevention and prophylactic programs aimed at improving public health and quality of life are necessary.
BICA will continue to support initiatives and policies promoting the development of health tourism as part of the modern industrial and economic policy of Europe.
